Pump-type packaging unit for a liquid or semi-liquid product

ABSTRACT

A unit ( 1 ) for packaging and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product includes a body ( 10 ) with an axis X, forming a reservoir ( 12 ) for the liquid or semi-liquid product, the reservoir ( 12 ) being surmounted by a pump ( 30 ) actuable by an actuating element ( 34 ). The product emerges through at least one opening arranged in an outlet element ( 9 ) connected to the pump ( 30 ) by a conduit ( 41 ) forming a flexible connection. The outlet element ( 9 ) is held substantially immovably in position on a fixed portion ( 51 ) of the body ( 10 ) surmounting the reservoir ( 12 ), the actuating element ( 34 ) being independently mounted relative to the fixed portion ( 51 ) of the body ( 10 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a unit for packaging and dispensing aliquid or semi-liquid product, of the type comprising a pump with manualaction. The invention is especially suitable for packaging and sprayingliquid products used in the field of cosmetics, or dermo-pharmacology,such as perfumes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Devices for spraying liquids using a pump with manual action are wellknown. For example, FR 2 682 937 describes a pump-type spraying devicecomprising a pump mounted on a bottle and having a hollow stem whichserves as an outlet conduit and as an actuating element, and is movableinside the body of the pump against the action of a spring. A dispensingcap is mounted on the bottle above the pump and has a pressurizedactuating element provided with means for mechanical connection with thehollow stem. The cap also has a spraying nozzle and an internal ductwhich leads into the nozzle, as well as connecting means communicatingthe hollow stem with the internal duct of the cap. According to thisdocument, the connecting means comprise a flexible tubular elementjoined to one end of the hollow stem and at the opposite end to theinternal duct of the dispensing cap.

To dispense the product, the pressure actuating element is depressed,which produces the pump actuation and the emergence of the liquidthrough the outlet nozzle via the hollow stem, the flexible tubularelement and the internal duct. Under the effect of the actuatingpressure, the upper part of the cap carrying the nozzle yields at aconnecting zone situated beneath the nozzle. The major drawback of sucha device is due to the fact that the actuation of the pump produces asubstantial modification of the position of the nozzle (by pivoting),which modification produces a change in the orientation of the sprayedliquid. Inevitably, if no precaution is taken, the product will not besprayed to the desired spot. Another device of the same type, and hencewith the same drawbacks, is described in EP-A 0 747 131.

In EP-A-0 385 077, the actuation of the pump produces an axialdisplacement of the outlet nozzle which must be taken into account withregard to the positioning of the spraying device relative to the surfaceto be treated, in the same way as the device discussed above, to ensurethat the product is sprayed exactly to the desired spot. Moreover, sucha design requires an oblong opening to be made opposite the nozzle,whose axial height depends on the amplitude of the axial movement of thenozzle. Such an opening of an elongate shape has a considerable effecton the aesthetic appearance of the device.

In another field, that is to say, the field of aerosols of the typecomprising a pressurized container surmounted by a valve, it is knownthat the valve stem is connected via a conduit having a certainflexibility to an outlet opening that is substantially axially fixed, soas to absorb the axial displacement linked to the actuation of the pumpas a whole, or in part. Such aerosol devices are described in FR-A 2 391625, FR-A-2 271 995, FR-A-1 258 884, DE-A-2 655 777, U.S. Pat. Nos.3,907,175, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,189,232 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,1544,323.However, in the field of aerosols, the stroke necessary for actuatingthe valve is of the order of some hundredths of millimetres. In the caseof a pump, the actuating stroke is of the order of several millimetres.Typically, the actuating stroke is of the order of 6 to 7 mm. Thus thestresses to be taken into account for this type of technology havenothing to do with the stresses encountered in the aerosol devices.Because of this, for many of the devices described in these documents,the structure of the dispensing head would have to be completely thoughtout again to adapt it to the pump-type dispensing head, thereforerequiring a considerable intellectual effort. Moreover, for certainproducts, perfumes in particular, it is desirable that they should notbe packaged in a pressurized form.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, one of the objects of the invention is to provide a device fittedwith a pump for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular byspraying through an outlet element whose position is substantiallyfixed, in particular during the actuation of the pump.

Another object is to provide a pump-type device with an improvedaesthetic appearance and which is simple and economic to obtainindustrially.

In accordance with the invention, these and other objects are attainedby creating a unit for packaging and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquidproduct, comprising a body with an axis X, forming a reservoir for theproduct, the reservoir being surmounted by a pump actuable by anactuating element, the product emerging through at least one openingarranged in an outlet element connected to the pump by a conduit forminga flexible connection, wherein the outlet element is held substantiallyimmovably in position on a fixed portion of the body surmounting thereservoir, and the actuating element is independently mounted relativeto the fixed portion of the body.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, the only connection between theoutlet element and the movable actuating element is effected via aconduit forming a flexible connection. The flexibility of the connectionabsorbs substantially the whole of the movement of the said actuatingelement, so that during the actuation of the pump the outlet element isnot substantially displaced.

Advantageously, the outlet element is a nozzle for spraying a liquidproduct such as a perfume. Such a nozzle has a known configuration andtherefore does not require any detailed description.

According to a first embodiment, the body has a transverse partitionseparating a first space defining the reservoir from a second spacesurmounting the first, the second space containing the pump beingmounted on an opening arranged in the partition, the actuating elementmounted on the pump, the outlet element as well as the conduit formingthe flexible connection.

Advantageously, the outlet nozzle is disposed substantially immovably atthe bottom of a recess formed in a side wall of the second space, therecess opening out on a free edge of the second space situated oppositeto the transverse partition. The hold in position of the nozzle immobileat the bottom of the recess (in particular its positioning perpendicularto the axis of the device) may be improved by providing inside the sidewall an extra thickness in alignment with the bottom of the recess,which thickness increases the width of the support for the nozzle.

The outlet element may be mounted inside a housing communicating withthe conduit forming the flexible connection, the actuating element, thehousing as well as the flexible conduit forming a single part and beingobtained by molding a thermoplastic material. By way of example, thethermoplastic material is a low density polyethylene (PEBD) or a mixtureof low density polyethylene (PEBD)/high density polyethylene (PEHD),with a PEHD content at most equal to 25% of the mixture. This permits asubstantial reduction of the cost of manufacturing the unit inaccordance with the invention.

Particularly in the case where the actuating element is molded, thepressing surface whereon the actuating pressure is exerted isconstituted by an attached part. This facilitates the removal of theactuating element from the mold. The attached part may be mounted bycatch engagement, bonding or welding.

According to another embodiment, the conduit forming the flexibleconnection forms a bellows. This is particularly advantageous when theproduct to be dispensed makes it necessary to use, because of itsnature, a material for the connecting conduit which does not possesssufficient inherent flexibility. In this case, this deficiency inflexibility is mitigated by giving the conduit a flexible configuration.

According to a preferred embodiment, the body is formed of a singlepiece. By way of example, the body is obtained by molding athermoplastic material chosen from polypropylenes (PP) or polyethyleneterephthalates (PET), etc. The thermoplastic material may be introducedinto the mold by injection.

The pump, and in particular the pump body, may be offset relative to theaxis X, that is to say be eccentric. This is advantageous insofar as thestroke of actuating the valve stem is relatively large. Thus theabsorption of the movement of the actuating element by the flexibleconnection is improved. The height of the dispensing head is alsoreduced.

According to an embodiment, the pump has an intake tube opening insidethe first space and a hollow outlet stem, a flexible end whereof opensin the second space and whereon the actuating element is mounted, theoutlet stem communicating in the mounted position of the actuatingelement on the pump with an opening provided in the actuating elementand issuing in the conduit forming the flexible connection.

In a particular embodiment, the outlet element is situated substantiallyat the same level as the said free end of the outlet stem. In actualpractice, with the mounting in accordance with the invention, it may beplaced substantially anywhere relative to the free end of the pump stem.In particular, it may be placed beneath the free end of the pump stem,thus reducing the axial height of the unit.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the secondspace has an end opposite to the partition, the end being closed by aprotective element, at least one portion whereof situated opposite theactuating element is formed by a flexible material so as to be capableof actuating the actuating element through the protective element. Thisprotective element makes it possible to obtain a closed unit with anoutstandingly attractive appearance. As will be seen below, thisprotective element may also participate in maintaining the outletelement in a fixed position relative to the body of the device.

Such a protective element may have a body in the form of a rigid orsemi-rigid annular part, the protective element being held in positionon the end of the second space by means of an outer shell covering theunit substantially over its whole height, an opening being arranged inthe external covering opposite the outlet element, the external coveringhaving opposite the end of the second space a top with a cutout oppositethe actuating element. Advantageously, locating pin-type marking meansmay be provided to permit a proper angular positioning of the shellrelative to the rest of the body.

The rigid or semi-rigid annular part may have a tab portion, a free endwhereof is intended to bear on the outlet nozzle so as to fix the latterin position at the bottom of the cutout. Such an arrangement allows theunit to be simply and economically made and the outlet nozzle to be heldimmovably in position.

The shell may be self-tightening on the body of the unit, at least inthe vicinity of one end of the first space on the opposite side to thepartition. The self-tightening effect may be obtained by axial groovesarranged on the external surface of the body and/or on the internalsurface of the shell. The shell may be made of metal or plastic. Themounting of the shell on the body may be affected by any otherappropriate means. By way of example, the shell may be screwed, weldedor catch engaged on the body.

The protective element may be formed by duplicate injection molding oftwo compatible materials, a first rigid or semi-rigid material formingthe annular part, a second flexible material forming the portionsituated opposite the actuating element. Two compatible materials areunderstood to mean two materials which are capable of formingphysical-chemical bonds between them at the injection temperature. Byway of illustration, the first material is a polypropylene (PP) or ahigh density polyethylene (PEHD), the second material consisting ofSEBS.

According to a preferred embodiment, the reservoir has an attachedbottom mounted in a leakproof manner on the body. This is especiallyadvantageous in the case where the body of the unit is obtained in asingle piece by molding. Moreover, it permits filling through the bottomof the reservoir.

The attached bottom may have an opening for filling the reservoir, theopening being obturated after filling by an obturating element. Thisopening, of a limited diameter as compared with the cross-section of thereservoir, makes it possible to reduce the risks of leakage and loss ofthe product over the edge of the reservoir to a considerable extentduring jerky manipulation of the unit filled with the product byindustrial tools before the bottom of the reservoir is closed.

Advantageously, the seal is ensured in at least two axially offsetzones. A first sealing zone may be obtained by at least one catchengagement bead. The second sealing zone may be obtained by aself-tightening mounting of a portion of the attached bottom on theinternal sides of the body.

Again advantageously, a third sealing zone is obtained between the firsttwo, the third sealing zone being obtained by means of an O-ringdisposed at the bottom of a groove arranged in a side wall of theattached bottom. Such a ring may made of a material such as butyl orEPDM (a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene). As for theattached bottom, it may be made of a thermoplastic material chosen inparticular from polypropylenes (PP), polybutylene terephthalates (PBT),high density polyethylenes (PEHD), etc.

The product may be a pharmaceutical dermo-pharmaceutical or cosmeticproduct, in particular a perfume.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Apart from the arrangements set out above, the invention consists of acertain number of other arrangements which will be explained below withregard to non-restrictive examples of the embodiment, described withreference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a first embodiment of the packagingand dispensing unit according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are two sectional views of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and2; and

FIG. 4 shows a variant of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and3A-3B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in an overall view in FIG. 1, the packaging and dispensing unit1 takes the form of an upright cylinder entirely covered by an outershell 2 of metal, such as aluminum or a thermoplastic material such aspolypropylene. The outer shell covers the whole height of the device andhas its bottom end open so as to allow the device itself to be insertedtherein through the open end. The upper end is closed by a top 5 havinga bevelled cutout 6 over a substantial part of its cross-section, fromwhich there emerges a flexible portion of a protective element 7. Theactuation of the device with a view to spraying the product is obtainedby pressing via the flexible part on a push button contained inside theshell. An opening 8 is arranged on the shell opposite a nozzle 9 alsocontained inside the outer shell.

FIGS. 2 and 3A-3B illustrate a first embodiment of the device in detail.The device comprises a cylindrical body 10 comprising two parts 50, 51separated by a transverse partition 11. The transverse partitiondelimits a bottom part 50 having a first space forming a reservoir 12for the product to be dispensed. The top part 51 has a second space 13containing all the elements necessary for dispensing the product, aswill be seen in greater detail below.

The body is formed of a single piece obtained by molding (by injectionmolding for example) a material which is advantageously polyethyleneterephthalate, for example. The bottom end 14 of the body 10 isobturated by an attached bottom 15. The attached bottom 15 has a firstannular portion 17 whose external surface is provided with several beadsor rings 18 capable of cooperating by catch engagement withcorresponding beads arranged on the internal surface of the body 10 inthe vicinity of its bottom end 14. The bottom 15 also has a secondannular portion 19 capable of force fit engagement in the openingdelimited by the free edge of the body 10. A part 16 with an externaldiameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the body 10 issituated beneath the annular portion 19 so as to limit the depression ofthe bottom 15 in the body. A groove 20 is disposed between the twoannular portions 17, 19 so as to receive an O-ring 21 made of butyl inorder to perfect the seal of the mounting of the bottom 15. The bottom15 has a central opening 22 through which the reservoir 12 is filledafter the attached bottom 15 has been mounted. Fins 23 are radiallydisposed in the space formed by the bottom 15 so as to stiffen itsstructure. The central opening is obturated by a stopper 24 comprisingan axial part 25 with an external diameter substantially equal to theinternal diameter of the opening 22 and a transverse side 26 with anexternal diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of thebody 10. The stopper 24 is held in position in the opening by a forcefit or by catch engagement. As will be seen more clearly in FIG. 2A, thestopper 24 defines, together with the attached bottom 15, an annularspace 27 wherein an annular ballast (not shown) can be advantageouslydisposed.

The transverse partition 11 has a recess 28, in the bottom of which isarranged an opening 29 for the mounting of a pump 30. As will be clearlyseen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the recess 28 and the opening 29 are offsetrelative to the axis X of the device and in a direction such that theaxis of the pump 30 is a farther from the outlet nozzle 9 than is theaxis X. The mounting of the pump in the recess 28 is advantageouslyobtained in the way described in detail in FR 2 669 244, that is to say,by means of an annular intermediate component 31, on the free edge ofwhich the pump 30 is crimped. During the assembly, the pump 30 is firstcrimped onto the intermediate component 31. The unit is subsequentlymounted by catch engagement in the recess 28 through the opening 29. Adip tube 32 dips into the reservoir 12, its free end being situatedsubstantially in the vicinity of the bottom 15 of the reservoir.

The pump 30 has a hollow pump stem 33 whose free end emerges in thesecond space 13 delimited by the transverse partition 11. At its upperend 35, the free edge of the body 10 is straight over approximately onethird of its section 36 (the front portion of the body) and cut out witha bevel over the rest of its section 37 (the rear part of the body). Onthe free end of the stem 33 there is mounted a push button 34 whosepressing surface 38 emerges from the cut out edge 37 and is situatedsubstantially at the level of the straight edge 36. The push button 34is disposed in a duct 39 which extends the upper part of the recess 28.The manual action pump is entirely conventional and therefore does notrequire any detailed description.

The duct 39 has a cutout 40 for passing a flexible conduit connecting aninternal duct 52 arranged in the push button with an outlet nozzle 9mounted in a housing 44 and held fixed in position at the bottom of acutout 42 opening out on the straight edge portion 36 of the body 10.The cutout 42 is situated substantially opposite the cutout 40.

The conduit 41 has characteristics of suppleness, flexibility andelasticity which are such that the movement of actuating the push buttondoes not produce any substantial movement of the outlet nozzle. Inactual fact, due to the way in which the nozzle is mounted at the bottomof the cutout 42, there may occur a slight recoil or a slight rocking ofthe nozzle. However, these movements are hardly perceptible to the nakedeye.

According to a preferred embodiment, the conduit 41, the housing 44 andthe push button 34 are obtained by molding a single piece of low densitypolyethylene. In actual fact, only the pressing plate 38 is attached andmounted by catch engagement on the push button 34. The pressing plate ismade of a more rigid material than the material constituting the rest ofthe push button. Advantageously, the pressing plate 38 is made of a highdensity polyethylene or polypropylene. The outlet nozzle 9 is formed ofa piece of acetate mounted with a force fit in the housing 44.

As will be seen in FIG. 3B, the movement of actuating the push button 34is reflected in an displacement of the flexible conduit 41, whichdisplacement may be accompanied by an elongation of the conduit,particularly in the case of an elastomeric material or in the case of abellows such as shown in FIG. 4. Since the housing 44 is also made of aflexible material, the end of the housing 44 adjacent to the conduit 41may possibly slightly rock. On the other hand, the outlet nozzlesituated in the front part of the housing 44 held tightly at the bottomof the cutout 42 is substantially immobile, which considerablyfacilitates the spraying of the product to the desired spot.

Other materials or arrangements may be used for obtaining the flexibleconnection between the push button 34 and the outlet nozzle 9. By way ofexample, the conduit 41 may be made of an elastomeric material (asequenced copolymer of styrene-ethylene butadiene, EPDM). In theembodiment of FIG. 4, the flexible connection is obtained by means of aconduit forming a bellows 43 over at least one portion of its length.This contributes to isolating the nozzle 9 from the push button evenmore, which considerably reduces the stresses exerted on the nozzle 9when the push button 34 is actuated. The embodiment of FIG. 4 is, inother respects, identical at all points with the embodiment of FIGS. 2and 3A-3B.

The outlet nozzle 9 disposed inside a housing 44 extending the flexibleconduit 41 is held fixed in position at the bottom of the cutout 42 bymeans of a tab 45 carried by the annular body 46 of a protective element47. The annular body is made, for example, of polypropylene and has aprofile which overall follows the profile of the edge of the upper end35 of the body 10. The opening delimited by the upper edge of theannular body 46 is obturated by a flexible membrane 7 positionedopposite the push button 34. The flexible membrane is advantageouslymade of SEBS and may be made by duplicate injection molding with thepolypropylene body. During assembly, the protective element ispositioned on the upper end 35 of the body 10, the internal diameter ofthe annular body 46 being slightly greater than the external diameter ofthe body 10. The tab 45 comes to bear on the upper part of the housing44 containing the nozzle 9 which is thus fixed in position. The fixedhold of the housing 44, and hence of the nozzle 9, can be improved byproviding, on the internal side of the upper space 13, an extrathickness in alignment with the bottom of the cutout 42, so as to ensurea better positioning of the housing 44.

The unit thus described is intended to be mounted inside an outer shell2 made of aluminium for example. As has been mentioned with reference toFIG. 1, the top 5 of the outer shell 2 has a cutout with a profilesimilar to the cutout of the upper end 35 of the body 10, as well as thecutout formed by the upper edge of the annular body of the protectiveelement 47. The shape of the cutout 6 in the outer shell 2 is such thatit substantially coincides with the flexible membrane 7 of theprotective element 47.

The assembly of the unit is obtained as follows. The pump is firstmounted in the opening 29; the body 10 is upended and is filled via thebottom through the opening 22 which is subsequently obturated by thestopper 24; the push button 34, including the flexible conduit 41 andthe outlet nozzle 9 inside the housing 44, is mounted on the outlet stem33 of the pump; the protective element 47 is positioned on the upper end35 of the body; the outer shell is subsequently fitted on the unit,marking means, (of an axial groove-type) ensuring a proper angularpositioning of the body relative to the outer shell 2. The body 10 has asize slightly increasing in the direction towards its bottom end 14, sothat at least in the vicinity of its bottom end 14, the body is heldtight inside the outer shell 2. In the assembled position, as is clearlyshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the bottom edge of the protective element 47is held between the external side of the body 10 and the internal sideof the shell 2. The device is then ready for use.

Alternatively, it is possible to mount the protective element on its ownin the shell 2 via the cutout 6, and then mount the body of the deviceinside the shell.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made topreferred modes of embodiment of the invention. It is obvious thatvariants may be introduced into them without departing from the scope ofthe invention, such as claimed below.

I claim:
 1. A unit for packaging and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquidproduct, comprising: a body forming a reservoir for the product andhaving a fixed portion surmounting the reservoir; a pump surmounting thereservoir; an actuating element mounted for actuating the pump; and aproduct outlet element having at least one opening and connected to thepump by a conduit forming a flexible connection, wherein the outletelement is held substantially immovably in position on the fixed portionof the body, and wherein the actuating element is mounted independent ofsaid fixed portion of the body, wherein the body has a transversepartition separating a first space defining said reservoir from a secondspace surmounting the first space, said second space containing saidpump mounted in said partition, the actuating element mounted on saidpump, the outlet element and the conduit forming the flexibleconnection, wherein the second space has an end opposite said partition,further comprising a protective element closing said end, wherein atleast one portion of said protective element is engagable with theactuating element and is formed by a flexible material to permitactuating said actuating element through said protective element.
 2. Apackaging and dispensing unit according to claim 1, further comprisingan outer shell covering said unit substantially over its whole height,wherein the protective element has a body in the form of a rigid orsemi-rigid annular part, said protective element being held on the endof the second space via said outer shell, further comprising an openingin said outer shell at a location corresponding to the outlet element,wherein the outer shell has a top with a cutout aligned with theactuating element.
 3. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim2, further comprising marking elements on at least one of the outershell and the body to permit proper angular positioning of the outershell relative to the body.
 4. A packaging and dispensing unit accordingto claim 2, wherein the rigid or semi-rigid annular part of theprotective element has a tab portion including a free end bearing on theoutlet nozzle so as to fix the latter at a bottom of the cutout in thesecond space.
 5. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 2,wherein the shell is self-tightening on the body of the unit, at leastin a vicinity of an end of the first space opposite the partition.
 6. Apackaging and dispensing unit according to claim 1, wherein theprotective element is formed by duplicate injection molding twocompatible materials, a first rigid or semi-rigid material forming theannular part, a second flexible material forming the portion engagablewith the actuating element.
 7. A packaging and dispensing unit accordingto claim 6, wherein the first material is one of a polypropylene (PP)and a high density polyethylene (HDPE), and wherein the second materialconsisting of SEBS styrene-ethylene butadiene.
 8. A unit for packagingand dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising: a bodyforming a reservoir for the product and having a fixed portionsurmounting the reservoir; a pump surmounting the reservoir; anactuating element mounted for actuating the pump; and a product outletelement having at least one opening and connected to the actuatingelement by a conduit forming a flexible connection, wherein the outletelement is held substantially immovably in position on the fixed portionof the body, wherein the pump is offset relative to an axis of the bodyand in a direction such that an axis of the pump is farther from theproduct outlet element than is the axis of the body, wherein the bodyhas a transverse partition separating a first space defining saidreservoir from a second space surmounting the first space, said secondspace containing said pump mounted in said partition, the actuatingelement mounted on said pump, the outlet element and the conduit formingthe flexible connection.
 9. A packaging and dispensing unit according toclaim 8, wherein the outlet element comprises a nozzle for spraying aliquid product.
 10. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim8, wherein the body has a transverse partition separating a first spacedefining said reservoir from a second space surmounting the first space,said second space containing said pump mounted in said partition, theactuating element mounted on said pump, the outlet element and theconduit forming the flexible connection.
 11. A packaging dispensing unitaccording to claim 10 8, wherein the first space has an end opposite tosaid partition, further comprising an attacked bottom sealingly mountedto said end.
 12. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 108, wherein said actuating element has an internal duct opening to theconduit forming said flexible connection, wherein the pump includes anintake tube opening inside the first space and a hollow outlet stem, thehollow outlet stem having a flexible end opening in the second space,and the actuating element being mounted on the flexible end, and whereinthe outlet stem communicates with said internal duct.
 13. A packagingand dispensing unit according to claim 12, wherein the outlet element issituated substantially at the same axial level as said flexible end ofthe outlet stem.
 14. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim8, wherein the conduit forming said flexible connection forms a bellows.15. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 8, wherein thebody is formed of a single piece.
 16. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 8, wherein the body is a molded thermoplasticmaterial taken from one of the group consisting of a polypropylene (PP)and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
 17. A packaging and dispensingunit according to claims claim 8, wherein the product is one of apharmaceutical dermo-pharmaceutical and cosmetic product.
 18. A unit forpackaging and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising: abody forming a reservoir for the product and having a fixed portionsurmounting the reservoir; a pump surmounting the reservoir; anactuating element mounted for actuating the pump; and an outlet nozzlehaving at least one opening and connected to the pump by a conduitforming a flexible connection, wherein the outlet nozzle is heldsubstantially immovably in position on the fixed portion of the body,wherein the actuating element is mounted independent of said fixedportion of the body, wherein the body has a transverse partitionseparating a first space from a second space, wherein the outlet nozzleis disposed substantially immovably at the bottom of a cutout formed ina side wall of the second space, said cutout opening out on a free edgeof the second space situated opposite the transverse partition.
 19. Aunit for packaging and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product,comprising: a body forming a reservoir for the product and having afixed portion surmounting the reservoir; a pump surmounting thereservoir; an actuating element mounted for actuating the pump; and aproduct outlet element having at least one opening and connected to thepump by a conduit forming a flexible connection, wherein the outletelement is held substantially immovably in position on the fixed portionof the body, wherein the actuating element is mounted independent ofsaid fixed portion of the body, wherein the outlet element is mountedinside a housing communicating with the conduit forming the flexibleconnection, wherein the actuating element, the housing and the flexibleconduit form a single molded part.
 20. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 19, wherein the actuating element has a pressingsurface on which an actuating pressure may be exerted.
 21. A packagingand dispensing unit according to claim 19, wherein the molded part isformed of one of the group consisting of a low density polyethylene(PEBD), and a mixture of low density polyethylene (PEBD)/high densitypolyethylene (PEHD) wherein a PEHD content is at most equal to 25% ofthe mixture.
 22. A unit for packaging and dispensing a liquid orsemi-liquid product, comprising: a body forming a reservoir for theproduct and having a fixed portion surmounting the reservoir; a pumpsurmounting the reservoir; an actuating element mounted for actuatingthe pump; and a product outlet element having at least one opening andconnected to the pump by a conduit forming a flexible connection,wherein the outlet element is held substantially immovably in positionon the fixed portion of the body, and wherein the actuating element ismounted independent of said fixed portion of the body, wherein the bodyhas a transverse partition separating a first space defining saidreservoir from a second space surmounting the first space, said secondspace containing said pump mounted in said partition, the actuatingelement mounted on said pump, the outlet element and the conduit formingthe flexible connection, wherein the first space has an end opposite tosaid partition, further comprising an attached bottom sealingly mountedto said end, wherein the attached bottom has an opening for filling thereservoir, further comprising an obturating element for obturating saidopening.
 23. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 22,wherein the attached bottom is made of a thermoplastic material chosenfrom one of polypropylenes (PP), polybutylene terephthalates (PBT) andhigh density polyethylenes (HDPE).
 24. A unit for packaging anddispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising: a body forming areservoir for the product and having a fixed portion surmounting thereservoir; a pump surmounting the reservoir; an actuating elementmounted for actuating the pump; and a product outlet element having atleast one opening and connected to the pump by a conduit forming aflexible connection, wherein the outlet element is held substantiallyimmovably in position on the fixed portion of the body, and wherein theactuating element is mounted independent of said fixed portion of thebody, wherein the body has a transverse partition separating a firstspace defining said reservoir from a second space surmounting the firstspace, said second space containing said pump mounted in said partition,the actuating element mounted on said pump, the outlet element and theconduit forming the flexible connection, wherein the first space has anend opposite to said partition, further comprising an attached bottomsealingly mounted to said end, wherein said attached bottom forms atleast two axially offset sealing zones.
 25. A packaging and dispensingunit according to claim 24, wherein said at least two sealing zonescomprise a first sealing zone formed by at least one catch engagementbead, and a second sealing zone formed by a self-tightening mounting.26. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 25, furthercomprising a third sealing zone between the first and second sealingzones, said third sealing zone comprising an O-ring disposed at a bottomof a groove in a side wall of the attached bottom.
 27. A packaging anddispensing unit according to claim 26, wherein the O-ring is made of oneof butyl and EPDM.
 28. A unit for packaging and dispensing a liquid orsemi-liquid product, comprising: a body forming a reservoir for theproduct and having a fixed portion surmounting the reservoir; a pumpsurmounting the reservoir; an actuating element mounted for actuatingthe pump; and a product outlet element having at least one opening andconnected to the actuating element by a conduit forming a flexibleconnection, wherein the outlet element is held substantially immovablyin position on the fixed portion of the body, wherein the actuatingelement is mounted to the pump independent of said fixed portion of thebody, and wherein the pump is offset relative to an axis of the body andin a direction such that an axis of the pump is farther from the productoutlet element than is the axis of the body.
 29. A unit for packagingand dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising: a bodyforming a reservoir for the product and having a fixed portionsurmounting the reservoir; a pump surmounting the reservoir; anactuating element mounted for actuating the pump; and a product outletelement having at least one opening and connected to the actuatingelement by a conduit forming a flexible connection, wherein the outletelement is held substantially immovably in position on the fixed portionof the body, wherein the actuating element, upon actuation of the pump,moves axially with respect to said fixed portion of the body, andwherein the pump is offset relative to an axis of the body and in adirection such that an axis of the pump is farther from the productoutlet element than is the axis of the body.
 30. A unit for packagingand dispensing liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising: a containerforming a reservoir for the product; a wall extending above and in fixedposition with respect to said container; a pump mounted to a top of saidcontainer; a product outlet element held substantially immovably inposition with respect to said wall; and a conduit forming a flexibleconnection between said pump and said outlet element, wherein said pumpis offset relative to an axis of said container and in a direction suchthat an axis of said pump is farther from said product outlet elementthan is the axis of said container, wherein said wall defines a spaceabove said reservoir having an open end opposite said reservoir, saidcontainer having a traverse partition separating said reservoir fromsaid space, said space containing a portion of said pump, said outletelement, and said conduit.
 31. A packaging and dispensing unit accordingto claim 30, wherein said outlet element comprises a nozzle for sprayinga liquid product.
 32. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim30, wherein said container has an end opposite to said partition,further comprising an attached bottom sealingly mounted to said end ofsaid container.
 33. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim30, wherein said pump includes an actuating element for operating saidpump, said actuating element having an internal duct opening to saidconduit, wherein said pump includes an intake tube opening inside thecontainer and a hollow outlet stem, said hollow outlet stem having anend coupled to said duct of said actuating element.
 34. A packaging anddispensing unit according to claim 33, wherein said outlet element issituated substantially at the same level as said end of said outletstem.
 35. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 30, whereinsaid conduit forming the flexible connection forms a bellows.
 36. Apackaging and dispensing unit according to claim 30, wherein saidcontainer and said wall are formed of a single piece.
 37. A packagingand dispensing unit according to claim 30, wherein said container andsaid wall are formed from a molded thermoplastic material chosen frompolypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
 38. A packagingand dispensing unit according to claim 30, further comprising theproduct, wherein the product is one of a pharmaceutical,dermo-pharmaceutical, and cosmetic product.
 39. A packaging anddispensing unit according to claim 30, wherein said pump includes anactuating element.
 40. A packaging and dispensing unit according toclaim 30, wherein said conduit extends from said pump to said outletelement.
 41. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 30,wherein said outlet element is connected to said wall.
 42. A unit forpackaging and dispensing liquid for semi-liquid product, comprising: abody having a lower portion and an upper portion fixed with respect tosaid lower portion; a reservoir for the product, said reservoir being insaid lower portion of said body; a pump located at a top of saidreservoir; a product outlet element held substantially immovably inposition with respect to said upper portion of said body; and a conduitforming a flexible connection between said pump and said outlet element,wherein said pump is offset relative to an axis of said body and in adirection such that an axis of said pump is farther from said productoutlet element than is the axis of said body.
 43. A packaging anddispensing unit according to claim 42, wherein said lower portion ofsaid body forms said reservoir.
 44. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 42, wherein said outlet element comprises a nozzlefor spraying a liquid product.
 45. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 42, wherein said body has a partition wall separatingsaid lower portion from said upper portion.
 46. A packaging anddispensing unit according to claim 42, wherein said pump includes anactuating element for operating said pump.
 47. A packaging anddispensing unit according to claim 42, wherein said conduit extends fromsaid pump to said outlet element.
 48. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 46, wherein said actuating element has an internalduct opening to said conduit, wherein said pump includes an intake tubeopening inside the reservoir and a hollow outlet stem, and wherein saidhollow outlet stem has an end coupled to said duct of said actuatingelement.
 49. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 48,wherein said outlet element is situated substantially at the same levelas said end of said outlet stem.
 50. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 42, wherein said lower portion and said upper portionare formed of a single piece.
 51. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 42, further comprising the product, wherein theproduct is one of a pharmaceutical, dermo-pharmaceutical, and cosmeticproduct.
 52. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 42,wherein said outlet element is connected to said upper portion.
 53. Apackaging and dispensing unit according to claim 42, wherein said pumpis mounted to said body.
 54. A unit for packaging and dispensing liquidor semi-liquid product, comprising: a body; a reservoir in said body; apump located at a top of said reservoir; a product outlet elementsubstantially immovably fixed with respect to said body; and a conduitforming a flexible connection between said pump and said outlet element,wherein said pump is offset relative to an axis of said body and in adirection such that an axis of said pump is farther from said productoutlet element than is the axis of said body.
 55. A packaging anddispensing unit according to claim 54, wherein said body forms saidreservoir.
 56. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 54,wherein said outlet element comprises a nozzle for spraying a liquidproduct.
 57. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 54,wherein said body has a partition wall separating a lower portion of thebody from an upper portion of the body.
 58. A packaging and dispensingunit according to claim 54, wherein said pump includes an actuatingelement for operating said pump.
 59. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 54, wherein said conduit extends from said pump tosaid outlet element.
 60. A packaging and dispensing unit according toclaim 58, wherein said actuating element has an internal duct opening tosaid conduit, wherein said pump includes an intake tube opening insidethe reservoir and a hollow outlet stem, and wherein said hollow outletstem has an end coupled to said duct of said actuating element.
 61. Apackaging and dispensing unit according to claim 60, wherein said outletelement is situated substantially at the same level as said end of saidoutlet stem.
 62. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 54,wherein said body has an lower portion and an upper portion, wherein thereservoir is in the lower portion.
 63. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 62, wherein said outlet element is connected to saidupper portion.
 64. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim63, wherein said upper portion includes a wall and wherein said outletelement is connected to said wall.
 65. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 62, wherein said lower portion and said upper portionare formed of a single piece.
 66. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 54, further comprising the product, wherein theproduct is one of a pharmaceutical, dermo-pharmaceutical, and cosmeticproduct.
 67. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 54,wherein said pump is mounted to said body.
 68. A packaging anddispensing unit according to claim 54, wherein said outlet element issubstantially immovably fixed with respect to said reservoir.
 69. A unitfor packaging and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product,comprising: a container forming a reservoir for the product; a wallextending above and in fixed position with respect to said container,said wall defining a space above said reservoir having an open endopposite said reservoir; a pump mounted to a top of said container, saidpump including an actuating element, mounted independent of said walland said container, for operating said pump; a product outlet elementheld substantially immoveable with respect to said wall; a conduitforming a flexible connection between said pump and said outlet element;and a protective element closing said open end of said space defined bysaid wall, wherein at least one portion of said protective element isengagable with said actuating element and is formed by a materialsufficiently flexible to permit operation of said actuating elementthrough said protective element.
 70. A packaging and dispensing unitaccording to claim 69, further comprising an outer shell covering saidunit substantially over its whole height, wherein said protectiveelement has a body in the form of a rigid or semi-rigid annular part,said protective element being held on the end of the space via saidouter shell, and wherein said shell has an opening in said outer shellat a location corresponding to the outlet element, wherein said outershell has a top with a cutout aligned with said actuating element.
 71. Apackaging and dispensing unit according to claim 70, further comprisingmarking elements on at least one of said outer shell and said containerto permit proper angular positioning of said outer shell relative tosaid container.
 72. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim70, wherein the rigid or semi-rigid annular part of said protectiveelement has a tab portion including a free end bearing on said outletelement so as to fix said outlet element at a bottom of a cutout in saidwall.
 73. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 70, whereinsaid shell is self-tightening on said container, at least in a vicinityof an end of said container opposite said pump.
 74. A unit for packagingand dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising: a containerforming a reservoir for the product; a wall extending above and in fixedposition with respect to said container; a pump mounted to a top of saidcontainer; an actuating element mounted for actuating the pump; and anoutlet nozzle having at least one opening and being flow connected tosaid pump by a conduit forming a flexible connection, wherein saidoutlet nozzle is held substantially immovably in position with respectto said wall, wherein said actuating element is mounted independent ofsaid wall and said container, wherein said outlet nozzle is disposedsubstantially immovably at the bottom of a cutout formed in said wall,said cutout opening out on a free edge of said wall situated oppositesaid container.
 75. A unit for packaging and dispensing a liquid orsemi-liquid product, comprising: a container forming a reservoir for theproduct; a wall extending above and in fixed position with respect tosaid container; a pump mounted to a top of said container, said pumpincluding an actuating element mounted for actuating said pump; and aproduct outlet element having at least one opening and being flowconnected to said pump by a conduit forming a flexible connection,wherein said outlet element is held substantially immovably in positionwith respect to said wall, wherein said actuating element is mountedindependent of said wall and said container, and wherein said actuatingelement, said outlet element, and said flexible conduit form a singlemolded part.
 76. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 75,wherein said actuating element has a pressing surface on which anactuating pressure may be exerted.
 77. A unit for packaging anddispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising: a containerforming a reservoir for the product; a wall extending above and in fixedposition with respect to said container; a pump mounted to a top of saidcontainer, and pump including an actuating element mounted for actuatingsaid pump; and a product outlet element having at least one opening andbeing flow connected to said pump by a conduit forming a flexibleconnection, wherein said outlet element is held substantially immovablyin position with respect to said wall, and wherein said actuatingelement is mounted independent of said container and said wall, whereinsaid container has an end opposite to said pump, and wherein said unitfurther comprises an attached bottom sealingly mounted to said end,wherein said attached bottom has an opening for filling said reservoir,further comprising an obturating element for obturating said opening.78. A unit for packaging and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product,comprising: a container forming a reservoir for the product; a wallextending above and in fixed position with respect to said container; apump mounted to a top of said container, said pump including anactuating element mounted for actuating said pump; and a product outletelement having at least one opening and being flow connected to saidpump by a conduit forming a flexible connection, wherein said outletelement is held substantially immovably in position with respect to saidwall, and wherein said actuating element is mounted independent of saidcontainer and said wall, wherein said container has an end opposite tosaid pump, and wherein said unit further comprises an attached bottomsealingly mounted to said end, wherein said attached bottom forms atleast two axially offset sealing zones.
 79. A packaging and dispensingunit according to claim 78, wherein said at least two sealing zonescomprise a first sealing zone formed by at least one catch engagementbead, and a second sealing zone formed by a self-tightening mounting.80. A packaging and dispensing unit according to claim 79, furthercomprising a third sealing zone between the first and second zones, saidthird zone comprising an O-ring disposed at a bottom of a groove in aside wall of said attached bottom.
 81. A unit for packaging anddispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product, comprising: a containerforming a reservoir for the product; a wall extending above and in fixedposition with respect to said container; a pump mounted to a top of saidcontainer, said pump including an actuating element mounted foractuating the pump; and a product outlet element having at least oneopening and being flow connected to the actuating element by a conduitforming a flexible connection, wherein said outlet element is heldsubstantially immovably in position with respect to said wall, whereinsaid actuating element is mounted to said pump independent of saidcontainer and said wall, and wherein said pump is offset relative to anaxis of said container and in a direction such that an axis of said pumpis farther from said product outlet element than is the axis of saidcontainer.
 82. A unit for packaging and dispensing a liquid orsemi-liquid product, comprising: a container forming a reservoir for theproduct; a wall extending above and in fixed position with respect tosaid container; a pump mounted to a top of said container, said pumpincluding an actuating element mounted for actuating said pump; and aproduct outlet element having at least one opening and being flowconnecting to the actuating element by a conduit forming a flexibleconnection, wherein said outlet element is held substantially immovablyin position with respect to said wall, wherein said actuating element,upon actuation of said pump, moves axially with respect to said wall,and wherein said pump is offset relative to an axis of said containerand in a direction such that an axis of said pump is farther from saidproduct outlet element than is the axis of said container.